How to Remove Super Glue From Leather

Amy DavidsonUpdated February 21, 2017

Super glue is a handy little fix-it concoction to have around the house. However, if you should accidentally spill it in your house, it can become a hassle, especially if you spill it on an expensive piece of furniture, say a leather sofa. Whatever the case, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to remove some super glue from leather, learn the steps to getting that stubborn stain out.

Take your cloth or cotton ball and dab it in some acetone, then apply acetone to the top of your super glue stain. You want it to be a thin layer, so do not soak the stain. Let sit for about 15 minutes, applying one more small layer half way through, to further release the super glue from the leather.

Take a clean, plastic knife and use the non-serrated side to begin gently scraping away the super glue, so as not to scratch the leather. If hardened pieces of glue still remain, apply more acetone and let it sit again, then repeat.

Purchase some specialised super glue remover if the acetone was not able to remove all of the glue after two or three tries. You can find this at most hardware stores, and make sure to talk to an employee about what you are trying to do, as they can help you find the best remover for your purpose. Super glue remover is much more powerful at dissolving, but it's best to try a less harsh remover first, like acetone, before going on to stronger chemicals.

Follow all instructions on your super glue remover carefully, and only apply the remover atop areas where glue remains--do not spread it around on the leather.

Apply a leather conditioner to the area 24 hours after removing the stain to help the leather keep its natural shine and avoid drying out.

Tip

If after treatment with acetone and super glue remover the stain still remains, you should make a call to a local dry cleaner or furniture store, as removal may require a professional's help. Always test any product you use on leather on a small hidden patch to ensure that they won't damage leather. Wait 24 hours, as sometimes damage can occur that late after treatment, and sometimes immediate damage may just be a chemical reaction that will go away within 24 hours. To prevent future stains, always work with super glue on a designated workspace, like a crafts table or tool area in your garage, to avoid any more stains in your house.

Warning

Always follow all directions that accompany chemical cleaners, and super glue, to ensure safety to yourself and others.

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About the Author

Amy Davidson is a graduate from the University of Florida in Gainesville, with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She also writes for local papers around Gainesville doing articles on local events and news.